From marching alongside Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in Selma to participating in the freedom rides in Montgomery, Congressman John Lewis has had an incredible journey. His courage, determination and leadership – along with that of many others – led to a slew of landmark movements that evened the playing field for African-Americans across the nation. While the civil rights leader has shared his story before, he’s now appealing to a younger generation with a new comic book trilogy titled March.
With the help of co-author Andrew Ayin and award-winning artist Nate Powell, the 74-year-old illustrates his life from boyhood to manhood all while documenting the turbulent times of the 1950s and 60s.
“It tells the story in such a dramatic way—it’s not just the words. It’s the dramatic images,” the activist told Wired.
Comics have always appealed to Lewis. In fact, he picked up one, Martin Luther King Jr. and the Montgomery Story, as a teenager to learn about the Civil Rights Movement.
“It’s another way of reaching people who might not ordinarily pick up a regular book to read the story and be inspired by the story,” he said.
The first volume of March became a New York Times bestseller and is already being used as teaching aids in schools, and the second hit shelves this week.
